Gum disease is a problem that affects the majority of US citizens. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious problems like gum damage, bone damage, and even tooth loss, but recent research has suggested that it can have an impact on your overall health. Your dentist wants you to know the importance of receiving gum disease therapy in Duncanville because unhealthy gums may increase your chance of stroke. Read on to learn more about this relationship and other ways that your gums can influence your overall wellbeing.
What Causes Gum Disease?
This inflammation or infection of the gums is typically caused by plaque and tartar buildup as a result of poor oral healthcare. When plaque and tartar buildup at your gumline, they interact with bacteria, which will slowly but surely eat away at your gums, creating pockets for more bacteria. Smoking, tobacco use, and family history also puts you at higher risk of this disease.
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can affect different patients in different ways, but you should be on the lookout for these common symptoms:
- Red or puffy gums
- Swollen or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath
- Changes in bite
- Teeth that appear longer
How Can Gum Disease Affect My Overall Health?
Besides the damage that it can do to your oral health, studies have shown that gum disease can even increase your risk of more serious problems. In fact, some research shows that gum disease can increase your risk of having a stroke by 2 to 3 times. It’s important to understand some factors that can keep you stroke-free and healthy.
Unfortunately, the problems don’t stop with raising your risk of stroke. Research has also shown that gum disease can increase your risk of heart problems like heart attacks by 20%. Additionally, gum disease has been linked to certain cancers and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Is Gum Disease Treatable?
Thankfully, your dentist in Duncanville offers gum disease therapy to stop this problem right in its tracks. While early stages of gum disease can be reversed through a good oral healthcare routine and regular dental visits, more advanced stages may need a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. During this process, your dentist will scale your teeth to remove any tartar buildup. After, they will reach beneath your gumline to smooth out your tooth roots, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to collect in the future.
Now that you know more about gum disease and its impact on your heart, risk of stroke, and much more, contact your dentist to ensure your oral and overall health.